THE leader of a local authority has intervened to try to prevent a petrol station selling alcohol.

Leader of Derwentside District Council, Alex Watson, has written to licensing magistrates requesting that a Fina garage in Consett be denied a liquor licence. He fears it could expose youngsters to paedophiles.

Residents in the Villa Real Road area of the town, where the garage is, also object.

In his letter to the clerk of the court at Chester-le-Street Magistrates, Councillor Watson wrote: "I believe that granting a liquor licence to this Fina garage would be to send out the wrong message for drink driving, and it would place teenagers in a more vulnerable position.

"I myself have, on more than one occasion, been approached by young children to purchase alcohol for them.

"Granting this licence could also place youngsters in a position where they are exposed to that paedophile motorist which we know exists in our society."

Residents, who are gathering a petition, are worried the garage off-licence could attract drunks and gangs of youths and encourage drink driving.

Consett Police Chief Inspector Bob Glass said he had written to Fina Garages seeking more information.

A spokesman for Fina Garages said that 500 to 600 garages already sold alcohol.

He said: "To date, there is no evidence to suggest that this type of retailing contributes directly to the issue of drink driving. Responsible retailing is key to Total Fina's shop ventures."

Licensing magiustrates adjourned a hearing at Consett. A new date has not been set.